Visiting Berline

We had a great trip visiting Berline again.  We are ready to bring her home, but it will be this summer at the earliest.  The trip was productive however, because we were able to file our i600 at the US Embassy and go before two Haitian judges.  This was the only step that required us being present in Haiti.  Now the orphanage can do every other step for us.

While we traipsed around Port-au-Prince (not the safest place in the world), Kimberlyn stayed at the Baby House and loved on all the babies.  She was a natural and spent two full days there.  She played with several babies that had not been on the balcony in several weeks.  The balcony is the special place that has all the toys.  She even named a new baby--Coady (and yes that is the spelling she chose).  I was very impressed with her love and hard work.  This was a shock to me because on the way to Haiti she begged us not to make her work in Haiti.  I guess she has heard one too many stories of all the digging, painting, and projects from Jachin.  But she was the perfect volunteer.  I guess if you don't make her do manual labor she is OK.

After we were done with all of our required errands we spent as much time with Berline as possible.  She definitely remembered us and could name every family member.  She was sad that Jachin did not come this time, but she loved meeting her sister.  They painted their nails, sang, colored, and played Littlest Petshop.  She was still very shy but she understood more English.  She started talking more to us near the end of our stay.  She calls us Mama and Daddy, and loves to snuggle.  She is definitely the little mother of the orphanage.  She is the one that the younger ones go to if they need something.  She even brought a little friend upstairs on the balcony with her.  The balcony is for the volunteers and staff, so it is a privilege to be allowed up there.  They always allow the adoptive families to spend time with their child on the balcony to give them space.  We had to leave everyday to allow Berline to attend her school classes.  She is improving in every area.  I know by this summer she will have an even better grasp of English.  We have been trying to learn a little Creole, but it is definitely harder for old people to learn something new.  I think she will have better luck.

It was really hard leaving her again.  The only thing I could focus on was the next time we see her, we will be bringing her home.  Please pray for a speedy process.